Butt Free Beach

Cigarette butts are one of the most commonly littered items on the planet, and many do not realize that cigarette filters are a type of plastic. This plastic, known as cellulose acetate, never full decomposes and contains toxic chemicals, causing many negative impacts to Lake Huron's beaches and water quality. Butt Free Beach is a public awareness campaign that aims to reduce cigarette butt litter through public education and by providing a way for a smoker to responsibly dispose of their cigarette filters. By using interpretive signs, posters, shoreline cleanups, and educational events, the Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation aims to improve awareness of the problem, and encourages smokers to use the free beach ashtrays and recycling receptacles provided. The project began in 2013 at Grand Bend's beach, and has now expanded to 10 Lake Huron beaches, including Goderich, Kincardine, Sauble Beach, Ipperwash, Bayfield, Wasaga Beach, Southampton, and 2 beaches in Port Elgin.